BA | Undergraduate

Broadcast Production

Broadcast Production is an intensely practical, industry aware degree, designed in collaboration with BBC Northern Ireland and other local broadcasters. This pathway is for those interested in careers in programme-making for television, radio, journalism, and other new and emerging digital media platforms. This degree aims to introduce you to the widest possible experience of modern broadcasting combined with critical thinking and excellent online skills. Whether it is for online or live, in front or behind the camera or microphone, you will gain substantial practical skills supported by the kind of theoretical and critical skills employers tell us they want in new entrants to the Creative Industries.

Broadcast Production Degree highlights

Broadcast Production is one of the most practical and vocationally biased television and radio content
creation degrees offered at any Russell Group University in the UK.

Global Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to apply for study abroad for a semester or academic year through student exchange on this degree in Europe or North America.

Industry Links

It is an exciting time to get involved in broadcasting. Northern Ireland now has one of the fastest growing creative sectors in the UK economy. Broadcast programme making for entertainment, news, documentary, current affairs and online is a huge part of the industry here. Work placement therefore will be a significant aspect of the course, connecting to many of the local production companies. An industry advisory panel has been set up to offer advice on developments in the industry, keeping content and teaching practice relevant to the needs of employers in this area.

Queen’s has a collaborative agreement with BBC Northern Ireland, to promote opportunities for placements for our students and research/training between both organisations. Broadcast Production at QUB has direct links with the Belfast Media Festival, The Belfast Film Festival and the Digital Cities Belfast initiative.

Career Development

A degree in Broadcast Production will give students a distinct advantage as they enter the work place. This highly practical course will allow you to build up a portfolio of outputs for you to share with potential employers. An online channel will be created to showcase the best work from the department also. The new skillsets developed such as building digital content for online distribution and social media are highly sought after by employers and provide an excellent background for work in the creative industries and broadcasting. Work placement is offered as a module in Stage 3 of the degree.

World Class Facilities

Access to a television and radio studio with broadcast quality LED lighting and green screen facilities; off-line and on-line editing suites, utilising industry software such as Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and Avid Pro Tools; access to the Sonic Arts Research Centre for audio training and industry standard audio recording and post production equipment; full high-definition cameras are available as are substantial lighting and sound kits for location work. We also have a substantial amount of equipment for use in the creation of virtual reality content such as HTC Vives, Oculus Go and Insta360 Pro VR cameras with ambisonic microphones for full 360 sound recording.

Student Experience

We are an Avid Authorised Learning Partner for Pro Tools and Media Composer, offering certified industry-approved training integrated into the degree – a highly sought-after qualification internationally. Broadcast Production benefits from close relationships with the BBC NI, UTV, Northern Ireland Screen and the Belfast Media Festival with industry professionals connecting to teaching right across the programme from many of the production companies across Northern Ireland.

People teaching you

Arts, English and LanguagesDr Declan Keeney is an award-winning academic, documentary filmmaker and Director of Photography. Until recently he was Head of Film Studies at Queen’s University Belfast. During his leadership, the department was rated first in the UK for Film and Production in The Guardian’s University League Tables for 2017. Now as Subject Lead in Broadcast Production, Declan is leading on the design and delivery of an exciting new subject area at QUB. Declan has extensive industry experience and connections, with over 20 years in television production and broadcasting. Fully trained for work in civil unrest/riotous situations during his 13 years at the BBC, Declan gained unique experience working on the front-line of broadcast journalism, factual programme-making and outside broadcasts. Declan is also a co-investigator on a £12m creative industries research project entitled Future Screens NI that seeks to create thousands of new jobs in the creative industries over the next 5 years.

Learning and Teaching

On the BA Broadcast Production programme we provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. The degree also offers significant opportunities for cross disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning experiences.

E-learning technologiesInformation associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, and could include, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practical workshops and project-based work etc.

LecturesIntroduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to year group peers).

Practicals and workshopsWhere you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to practical broadcast industry contexts.

Self-directed studyThis is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Seminars and tutorialsSignificant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-15 students). These provide the opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

Supervised projectsIn final year, all students take a double module which provides the opportunity to specialise in a chosen area such as virtual reality, television, radio or documentary production and work collaboratively on a broadcast media project, to be screened publicly at the end of the semester and online. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you and provide feedback whilst being taught the skills you need in class.

Assessment

The teaching will be carried out by academics and practising filmmakers, journalists, theorists, and industry mentors. This degree will prepare students for either successful careers in the television and broadcasting industries, or to continue their study at MA and PhD level, all in the context of a Russell Group University.

A dedicated online channel for assessed work will be a crucial aspect of the accessed work carried out by students. It offers students the chance to develop a significant portfolio of work – this online channel will feature the best of student’s assessed work on a publicly facing website. Giving students the opportunity to both build an extensive portfolio of published work but also a platform to share this work with potential employers.

Extensive portfolio of work created during degree.

Feedback

As students’ progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peer review processes. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.

Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “guidance and feedback hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Facilities

World class facilities are available to students studying Broadcast Production at QUB. The school is an Avid Authorised Learning Partner and as such offers industry standard teaching built in to specialist modules across the programme. Students can, if they choose to do so, study for a qualification as an Avid Certified Professional in Media Composer for editing film and television images and/or ProTools for postproduction sound. These qualifications are highly sought after and run alongside the delivery of the degree. A film studio with industry standard LED lighting is available, online and offline editing suites, radio studios, sound post production and mixing facilities and of course green screen are all available. Substantial equipment needed for the creation of virtual reality content is also available such as HTC Vive, Oculus Go and Insta360 Pro Vr cameras. These resources are located on campus around University Square and in the world renowned Sonic Arts Research Centre.http://www.sarc.qub.ac.uk/

All applicantsThere are no specific subject requirements to study Broadcast Production.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme offering A-level/BTEC qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, will also be considered.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits. For those offering a Higher National Diploma, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but, to be eligible for an offer, the grades obtained in the first year of the HND must allow the overall offer to be achievable. The current entrance requirements are successful completion of the HND with 2 Distinctions, 10 Merits and 4 Passes overall. Any consideration would be for Stage 1 entry only.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Academic English and Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Career Prospects

IntroductionA degree in Broadcast Production will give students a distinct advantage as they enter the work place. This highly practical course will allow you to build up a portfolio of outputs for you to share with potential employers. An online channel will be created to showcase the best work from the department also. The new skillsets developed such as building digital content for online distribution and social media are highly sought after by employers and provide an excellent background for work in the creative industries and broadcasting. Graduates in related areas of the School have gone into a diverse range of careers with a particular emphasis on the creative industries a huge growth area for Northern Ireland and the UK.

Employment after the CourseThis new course is designed for those interested in factual programme making for television, radio, journalism and online media content creation. Many of the skills acquired are transferable across different disciplines but primarily this highly practical course will most appeal to those seeking employment in the creative industries.

Employment LinksThe course has already built strong links with local broadcasters, such as BBC Northern Ireland and other relevant organisations, such as Northern Ireland Screen. Many of these organisations are members of the industry advisory panel for the degree and help to provide work placement and other learning opportunities throughout the duration of the degree.

Alumni SuccessThe first cohort of students on this programme will graduate in 2020.
Graduate Careers in related areas of the school: Film Studies and Production
Our graduates have gone into a diverse range of careers, including the following:
Claire Campbell (Researcher, BBC NI)
Daniel McCabe (Production Trainee, BBC)
Niall McEvoy, (on set VFX supervisor, HBO, Game of Thrones)
Grace Sweeney (Camera Department, HBO, Game of Thrones)
Michele Devlin, (Director of The Belfast Film Festival)http://www.prospects.ac.uk

What employers say

"When people come to a newsroom now, they are expected to master a whole load of disciplines. We multi skill, we get people to do a bit of everything, that really works for us as a model and means that people are really empowered to take ownership of their videos, this course will be fantastic at encouraging this.”

Jon Laurence, Digital News Editor at Channel 4 News

Additional Awards Gained

The internationally acknowledged ‘Avid Certified Professional’ qualification in Media Composer and/or ProTools is available to students on this pathway.

Prizes and Awards

There is an award for the highest marks overall in each year of the programme.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Broadcast Production costs

An Avid Authorised Training Manual for Media Composer is required at level 1 at a cost of approximately £45. Broadcast Production will provide all of the film, sound, media equipment and editing suites needed.

Students are not expected to purchase their own camera, microphones, laptop or editing software. Students are required to purchase a USB 3 hard drive at a cost of approximately £90 for personal use.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

International Scholarships

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2020) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2020. If you apply for 2020 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2020.

Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.

Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.